2024-01-15 07:00:57
Purchase of films: OCS will be independent from Canal+
The Competition Authority has authorized, under conditions, the acquisition of OCS and its film and series co-production subsidiary by Canal+. This decision follows a memorandum of understanding announced a year ago between Canal+ (Vivendi group) and Orange. The authority identified potential risks for competition, in particular the dominant position that Canal+ would have as the sole pre-purchaser of French films for broadcast in the first paid window.
To remedy these risks, Canal+ is committed to maintaining an OCS/Ciné+ acquisition team, dedicated to the pre-purchase of French films from French producers. This team will be distinct from that of Canal+, thus ensuring a certain independence in programming choices and support for French production.
End of Canal+ exclusivity on certain films
Another issue raised by the Authority concerned the availability of French films from the Orange Studio catalog on catch-up television services of free-to-air channels. Canal+ has undertaken not to oppose the transfer of broadcasting rights to these services, thus promoting greater accessibility to French works.
This acquisition allows Canal+ to strengthen its offering and position itself more solidly once morest American platforms, in a context of increased competition in the audiovisual sector. For Orange, this operation marks a withdrawal from content creation, an area where the company had encountered difficulties.
OCS might finally no longer be in deficit
OCS, which was already partially owned by Canal+, had accumulated losses since its creation in 2008. This integration into the Canal+ group might therefore represent an opportunity for recovery and strategic development for the channel bouquet.
The commitments made by Canal+ are valid for a period of five years and may be re-examined. This clause ensures monitoring and possible adaptation of the measures according to developments in the market and company practices.
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